Blind date

Every week, we send a couple out on a blind date. This time, John Hewitt, 45, went for lunch with Nathalie Storozynski, 37, at the Swan bar and restaurant, which is part of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London.

John is a health coach who lives in North London. recruitment consultant Nathalie is from Southend, essex.

NATHALIE, 37, SAYS:

I’ve never been on a proper date before. I’ve only ever met people through friends or work. So, before our lunch, I was really nervous. Luckily, work was stressful that week and there was no time to worry!

On the day, I got there first so I could be sat down with a drink and facing the door. When John walked in, I thought he was good-looking and smartly dressed in a tight shirt, tight jeans and good boots. I was less happy with his shaved head, however.

We kissed on the cheek and began talking at once. He’s very confident and chatty and asked lots of questions. He really put me at ease — I was almost panicky at the start.

I’ve been single for three years, doing a lot of online dating and getting nowhere. My ideal man would be a tall viking. My celebrity crush is actor Alexander Skarsgard.

I’ve had two long relationships and have an eight-year-old son from the second.

When I said ‘ we’ in conversation, John asked what I meant and I told him about my son. I think it might be an issue for him.

I know I don’t want more kids. I have such a strong bond with my son and wouldn’t want the upheaval of a baby for us both.

Although I didn’t say that on a first date, I presume John might want children. It’s clear he’s looking for something serious.

Then he told me he used to perform with The Dreamboys, a male strip show. I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of that idea!

THERE was a lot of banter and I felt very relaxed with him. But he’s really dedicated to the gym and being healthy — and I’m not. After a while, I felt we didn’t have much in common. I’m not hugely confident, and he’s a good-looking guy who could get almost any woman he wants. He’s not quite my cup of tea, either. I’m not a fan of big muscles.

But it was a positive experience and made me feel like I’m OK at dating — crucially, he seemed interested in what I had to say.

After our meal, John walked me to my cab and I kissed him on the cheek. When I texted to say I was on the train, he replied.

It’s a shame I didn’t fancy him, as he would make someone a lovely boyfriend — but we are complete opposites. My ideal night out would be drinking and dancing, while his is early to bed and up at 5am to exercise. I don’t mind what a man does for a living, as long as he’s driven and financially independent.

I’m also not looking for a father for my son — he already has that. I want a relationship for me. But I wouldn’t mind if he had kids.

I’m an extrovert, lively and selfsufficient, and I think that can be intimidating to some men. I’m quite quick-witted, too, and it’s rare that I find a man who really keeps me on my toes. Although single, I have a busy social life. I’m a film geek and love music, going to festivals and gigs.

Hopefully, my perfect man is out there somewhere. LIKED? He was very friendly, smelt nice and made an effort. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 8/10

JOHN, 45, SAYS:

My JOB with The Dreamboys took me all over the world and, of course, I met a lot of women. I didn’t want to settle down then, but now I feel ready.

I’m looking for a feeling — I’ve been in love with a few girls and, although that chemistry is rare, I tend to know instantly.

Since switching careers, it’s been harder to meet women. I don’t go to bars and clubs now and instead meet people via dating apps, which is very hitand-miss. I’ve been single for about four years and, although I’ve dated, I often find it rather laborious and tedious. This was my first blind date, but I wasn’t at all nervous about meeting Nathalie. you don’t do my old job and not feel confident! I had to dance topless on stage in front of thousands of women.

I suggested the restaurant, as it’s somewhere I’ve been before on dates — it’s low-key and classy, with lovely views and great food, so you can’t go wrong.

Nathalie was there first and I could tell she was a little bit nervous, so I tried to put her at ease. I’m afraid she wasn’t my type, but she was very warm and lovely to talk to. I liked that she could take a joke and was very open — we got on really well.

WE DID have a giggle about my dancing past. I wouldn’t say she was impressed — I think she was more amused. But I’m really glad I did that job because it helped me grow as a person.

I’ve felt ready to meet someone and settle down for around ten years, so I need to get moving!

I’m not sure I’d do a blind date again, as I like to see who I’m meeting before a date.

Female friends have tried to set me up in the past — but I don’t think women realise how important looks are to men. Intelligence, character and compassion matter, too, but it’s looks that get your attention, and we all have specific tastes: I like slim, athletic women. Actress Natalie Portman is my celebrity crush.

I take pride in how I look, and it does attract the opposite sex, but women also want to get past the muscles and find out who I really am.

I’m looking for someone to connect with physically, intellectually and emotionally. Fitness is my biggest focus, and it’s now my career, too, but I also enjoy art and museums, theatre, classical music, travelling, some extreme sports, philosophy and politics.

Nathalie is very engaging and made me feel relaxed — she asked me questions and showed an interest, which was lovely. But, sadly, the search continues!

After our meal, I asked how she was getting home, as I wanted to walk her to the taxi to be polite. We parted with a peck on the cheek goodnight. LIKED? She was genuine, very warm and easy to talk to. REGRETS? None. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee. Verdict: 8/10

He’s not really my cup of tea... I’m not a fan of big muscles

I wasn’t nervous – I used to dance topless!